Jalopy:
An informal, humorous or disparaging noun that means an old worn-out, decrepit and unreliable automobile
Source: Merriam-Webster ja-läp-ē rhymes with “Copy” or “Poppy”
A chenchema car. A car that looks perfectly fine to its driver, while everyone else can see it has issues. It is not roadworthy, and the DVLA has no known record of it.
Source: The Official Ghanaian Haters’ Dictionary.
It has been eons since I felt motivated to write anything. This life is not mathing!
I took a look at my assets and liabilities and decided it was time to offload a few things… starting with my old car.
The thing about selling cars in Ghana is that people want to drive a car for 10 years and then sell it as though they bought it yesterday. Apparently, cars in Ghana do not depreciate. They appreciate!
The last time I sold a car, I put together a list titled “10 Signs It Is Time to Change Your Car.” It still holds true today.
Here are my 10:
1.
When your car has a name. I am not talking about the make. I mean a real name!
2.
When the smooth-talking dealer who sold it to you has suddenly become impossible to reach
3.
When you call your fitter, mechanic, or whatever alias he goes by, more often than you call some of your friends.
4.
When your fitter calls to check on you because you have not called him.
5.
When you pay your car alimony, a salary or a monthly stipend. Regularly. Without fail.
6.
When the “For Sale” sign has been on your car for a month and you have not received a single call.
7.
When your car leaves a thick black fog in its wake, or splutters and stops at least once a month.
8.
When your car’s registration ends with one of the first 10 letters of the alphabet.
9.
9
When school children point at your car, hold their sides and laugh. They are always cruel, and never diplomatic.
10
When you are the only person who knows how to drive your car.
What did I miss?
Friends… how was your week?
